Effexor XR

Effexor XR questions and answers

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Q: I take 300mg of Effexor XR and was wondering if anyone else has the same side effects?
I started taking Effexor XR about 2 years ago off and of and I noticed that when I take it I am unable to have an orgasm and when I am off of it I have no problem at all. I would like to know if anyone else hase had this side effect from this drug.

A: Yep, sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, that's why I'm going off of it and switching to Lexapro. I was on 150mg Effexor for about four years, so another reason why its a good idea to come off of it is because it's toxic and famous for its horrific withdrawal effect while discontinuing. Withdrawal symptoms are like having the flu along electric shock feelings called brain zaps. My doc has put me on a weaning off schedule and this is my first week skipping and coming completely off the Effexor, and I'm so lucky that I'm not having any withdrawal and brain zaps so far like everyone else has been talking about. Coming off of 300mg is gonna take a really long time if you decide to go that route--weaning off should be done with your doctor very slowly to minimize withdrawal. Best of luck.

Q: I have a question for all Effexor XR users?
I have been taken Effexor XR oral for a little under 8 months with a dosage of 75 mg. In the past two or three months or so, I have found that I get these strange menstrual like cramps, in my lower abdomen - worse when I take the medicine (I have been trying to wean myself off of it, but can't stand the withdrawl symptoms). I have these cramps almost everyday, although, they do not last the entire day - mostly come and go. I was wondering if any other Effexor XR users have had a similar problem. I have only read of one other occurence on the internet. I don't have any other symptoms that could signify a worse off problem (no bleeding from anywhere so I don't think I have cancer) - just the strange cramps. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

A: Well...the most common side effects for Effexor are related to the digestive system...and usually involve nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting... Most of the time, these symptoms occur when you first start the medication or increase the dosage of the medication and either go away as your body gets use to the medicine or you have to stop the medication. ...although, it is possible that constipation from the medication can cause cramps like you are describing... Either way, it would be a good idea to see your doctor and talk to them about this. I wish I could offer you more help. -

Q: Can Effexor XR 75mg be stored in the refrigerator?
I was just curious if there would be any side effects, complications, or a decrease in medication if Effexor XR 75mg was stored in the refrigerator at all times. It seems like it is the only way that I can remember to take my medication at the same time everyday - after dinner! Yes, I comprehend the packaging information and websites state to store Effexor at specific temperatures. I am wondering what would transpire to the medications and myself if it is stored at temperatures around 37F.

A: yes, you can, as long as your fridge temp is not below 38 degrees. freezing or near freezing will cause breakdown in the crystalline matrix of Effexor. But just putting it in a cool fridge won't hurt at all.

Q: What brand of pain reliever causes an increased risk in stomach bleeding for those taking effexor xr?
I know some pain relievers have the risk of stomach bleeding after prolonged use in all individuals. I'm interested in finding out which brand is particularly more dangerous for those taking effexor xr.

A: aspirin, hydrocodone. are a couple to be carefull with. use a time release aspirin or coated pills to delay breakdown of the drug and u can use it with effexor xr safely. god bless

Q: Effexor XR 150 mg side effects- will they go away with time?
I just started on Effexor XR 150 mg yesterday and I feel drowsy and my eyes are glassy looking. I feel drugged. Will this feeling go away soon or is this how I will be the whole time I am taking this?

A: No, you will not be this way the whole time...usually the weird feelings go away within a couple days to a week. My first week on Effexor, I felt like I was on crack or something, but those feelings went away and I have been on it for over a year and love it!! Good luck!

Q: When do the side effects kick in when taking Effexor XR?
I've only been taking Effexor XR for 3 days. I'm taking 37.5mg for 7 days then my dose will go up to 75mgs. I posted a question before I started taking it concerning weight gain. I read that some people lost and some people gained..who knows. I read that it makes you very tired. So far I've noticed that 2 hrs. after I take it I get alittle sleepy, but nothing major and it only last about an hour (and usually all meds make me sleepy). I think if anything I've got more energy, but I think it's too early too know if it is actually from the Effexor. I've also noticed that I have less of an appetite than again I've only been taking it for 3 days, so not sure if this is just all in my head. If you have or are taking it let me know.

A: 2-4 weeks for Effexor to kick in. DO NOT go off this medicine without tapering down first. I did (I ran out of meds and didnt go get a refill right away) and I puked my guts out (it was like I was coming off illegal drugs or something..its scared the hell out of me...Paxil will do this to you too). Weight gain really depends. Some people DO gain weight, some people DONT. Any anti-depressant will make you sleepy. It comes with the meds, you cant do much about that. It could be effecting you now, who knows, some people it affects really fast and some it affects a lot slower. You will notice the affects get stronger once you are on the 75 mgs. Good luck! If it doesnt work for you..Try either Wellbutrin (not an SSRI) or Lexapro (very little side effects). =o))

Q: Should I expect the same side effects from Prozac as I had with Effexor XR?
I tried Effexor XR 75mg last year and it was a very bad experience. I had many side effects: constipation, fatigue, dizziness, sleepy all day long and you can say I was not functional. Anyway, I will start Prozac 20mg tomorrow and I wonder if I will have the same side effects or not. I heard that Prozac is not the same drug class as Effexor XR.

A: You won't have the same side effects but you will have side effects.

Q: Can you take effexor xr along with taking zoloft?
Can you take effexor xr along with taking zoloft? Ive been taking Zoloft but it just seems to not be doing the trick anymore so my doctor prescribed me effexor xr but never told me wether or not i should stop the zoloft and i forgot to ask if i should stop taking it as well.

A: effexor also works on serotonin, and also works on another brain chemical (I forget which one.) I think you should call the doctor and ask. Maybe you shouldn't take the effexor until monday when the doctor calls you back. and maybe he/she wants you to taper off the zoloft - you really need to call him/her up.

Q: What does 50mg of Pristiq equate to of Effexor XR?
What does 50mg of Pristiq equate to of Effexor XR?

A: i work for a psychiatrist's office, and the pharmaceutical rep told us that 50mg of Pristiq will work the same, whether if you were taking 100mg, 150mg or 200 mg of Effexor XR. now, i don't know exactly how that works, but apparently it's been clinically proven. different people operate differently on different medications and dosages (ie. effexor), but i suspect that the 50mg will be the "max" dosage for the people who do in fact find it helpful.

Q: Is there any way to prevent weight gain if I go back on Effexor XR?
I took Effexor XR for a while, and while I found that it helped my depression and anxiety tremendously, I also found that it made me gain A LOT of weight. I just recently got rid of the extra pounds and I would really like to keep them off. Unfortunately, though, my depression and anxiety are also rearing their ugly little heads again. If I were to start taking Effexor XR again, are there any surefire ways that would help me not gain the weight back?

A: Watch what you eat. Many gain weight, because they overeat when they take antidepressants. Effexor may cause excessive carbohydrate craving. Exercise helps too. A different anti-depressant might be another option.

Q: With time released effexor XR what is the increment in which it releases the medicine?
With effexor XR is the medicine released in 2 increments? Is it released slowly over a period of the day? Because i am taking it, and i will take it at 1 or 2 and i won't be able to sleep at night. I get real wrestless and i toss and turn and get real finicky. How is it released i guess is the question?

A: my pharmacist told me that it stays in your system for about 18-20 hours. if it keeps you awake, try taking it in the morning. or possibly lunch time, it wont matter what time of day.... as long as its around the same time every day.

Q: Can Effexor XR and Hydroxyzine be taken together?
I was prescribed Hydroxyzine back in December to help subside the itching of psoriasis so I could sleep at night. About 2 months ago my Doctor but me on Effexor XR. When I had the Effexor XR prescription filled the Pharmacy didn't tell me to stop using the Hydroxyzine (I always have my prescriptions filled at the same Pharmacy). So I was just wondering if they can be taken together. Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

A: I know this is not the answer to your question but I just had to give you this information because of my personal experience with Effexor. I was taking it for a few years (I was on antidepressants for a total of 7 years and on Effexor for about 3) and was very satisfied with the results -- helped a lot with anxiety and somewhat with depression. However, I started to have several weird side-effects, none of which the medical community attributed to Effexor but, I was worried so I decided to come off the Effexor. I hope you already have information on how difficult it can be to come off of Effexor. I really felt very fragile on an emotional level for several months. I was angry and sad and irritable and emotionally vulnerable. My family was very supportive but it was definitely hard on them. I thank God for my therapist and her wisdom and kindness without which I don't see how I could have made it through. I have now been completely off of Effexor since October. It took about 8 months to completely wean myself from the stuff -- with no help from anyone as far as how to really do it. Just be careful and be kind to yourself and find support before you attempt to stop taking the stuff.

Q: Intense anxiety with effexor xr 75mg at two weeks?
I know several things in my life need to change and it seems like everything is on a big deadline. I have been on effexor xr for two weeks at 75mg and I feel like my anxiety might be worse. Did you have a similar experience. Does it get worse before it gets better?

A: Anxiety is common when beginning Effexor. My doc gave me a script for Xanax while I was adjusting. It will go away after your body acclimates. If it really bothers you, ask your doc if you can try a diff antidepressant. P.S. I found Effexor to be like a miracle drug, but I had some bad withdrawal symptoms when I went off after 9 months.

Q: Can you take Alli with antidepressant Effexor XR?
I'm feeling better now that I am on Effexor XR for my depression, and I was wondering if Alli is ok to take with it. I looked for side effects and found nothing. I am doing well with losing some small amount of weight by changing my eating as a new lifestyle and exercising regularly, but I want a little boost. Since it's FDA approved, I thought it would be safe. What are your thoughts?

A: im taking alli, but only once a day, it really flushes you out, but i havent heard or experienced any side effects with other medications. and i take around 7.

Q: Is there a generic version of Effexor XR yet?
My pharmacy told me there is no generic version of this, but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that there is! I know there's generic for regular Effexor but I would prefer the XR. Can anyone clarify for me please?

A: There is a generic version of venlafaxine XR that comes in tablet form, as opposed to Effexor XR, which comes in capsule form. When taken with food, this medication should act just like Effexor XR -- that is, it should have the same absorption and should last as long. However, this medication is technically not equivalent to Effexor XR and is approved only for the treatment of depression and social anxiety disorder; it is not approved for generalized anxiety disorder or for panic disorder ..